1 Kings 11:1-13 But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians… I. THE NATURE OF SOLOMON'S FALL. 1. It was gradual. No man becomes wholly abandoned or altogether depraved at once; formation of character is, both in its construction and destruction, a gradual process. (1) Because of the power of conscience. (2) Because the Spirit strives. (3) Because the Mediator pleads, "Let it alone this year also." (4) Because a warning is oftentimes given. 2. It was sure. From bad to worse, like a stone rolling down a hill. II. THE CAUSES OF SOLOMON'S FALL. 1. The mixing of self-interest with God's service. He chose wives from nations with whom God had forbidden His people to intermarry; hence contagion from such a bad example. 2. The union of piety and superstition. III. THE CONSEQUENCES OF SOLOMON'S FALL. 1. It brought down God s displeasure. 2. It brought ruin on his kingdom. Even the sins of obscure men pass in their effects beyond the power of their perpetrators (as no man liveth, no man dieth, so no man sinneth to himself) but how much more the sins of the great ones of the earth! IV. THE LESSONS OF SOLOMON'S FALL. 1. Great opportunities bring great responsibilities, and such cannot be neglected with impunity. 2. Riches hinder access into the kingdom of God. Wealth applied to selfish ends carries no blessing, but hardens the heart and causes it to lose its hold upon God. (C. E. E. Appleyard, B. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites; |
    |